Family of boy with autism needs your help to make sure he gets a good Christmas

Thomas' face lit up as he showed off his drawings of two of his favorite characters from "Super Mario Kart" — Bowser and Luigi.

Using his best Bowser impression, the 11-year-old pretended to bring his characters to life as he played around the family's makeshift living room.

His mother, Jane, and 9-year-old sister, Sophie, couldn't help but smile. This was one of the few moments where Thomas felt comfortable to "come out of his shell."

Thomas, who  has autism, doesn't say much around people. In fact, he's mostly shy and timid. 

But that night was different. Thomas was excited for his favorite time of year —  Christmas. 

It had been a few years since the family of three has had a good holiday season.

Right now, they live in a cramped studio apartment with two beds, a TV, bathroom and kitchen above a car port garage in downtown Corpus Christi.

It isn't much, but for Jane, Thomas and Sophie it's a place to start a new chapter in their lives. 

Just seven months ago, the three were homeless and living at The Purple Door, an organization that provides shelter and resources for domestic violence survivors in South Texas.

Jane, who has struggled with mental health issues, has taken odd jobs to do what she can to provide for her children.

Because of Thomas' developmental and behavior issues, Jane has had a hard time finding a job that allows her to pick up her son when he needs her. 

"Despite all that, I am giving my all to give my children a better life ...one I wasn't able to have growing up," she said.

Sophie, who has helped her mother during tough times, said she loves the life she has with her mother and older brother.

"We live a pretty good life ...even though it has been hard, we love each other very much," Sophie said. 

Sophie said her brother is a happy, go-lucky kid with dreams of becoming a paleontologist. 

"He's really smart, but I know he gets picked on by the other kids at school because he's different," Sophie said. "I just want him to have a good Christmas."

The children represent thousands who will be helped by the Caller-Times Children's Christmas Appeal. The names of the families profiled have been changed to protect their privacy.

Since 1973, The Caller-Times has reported the struggle of needy children and their families during the holiday season. All of the money donated to the Christmas Appeal campaign benefits the children because all overhead costs are borne by the Caller-Times, United Way of the Coastal Bend and participating agencies.

Participating agencies include Boys & Girls Club of Alice, Duval County Christmas Committee, the Kleberg County Welfare Department, Nueces County Department of Social Servces, the Odyssey After School Enrichment Program in Rockport, Sinton for Youth Inc. and The Purple Door.

Sophie said her wish list includes a pair of black-and-white checkered Vans, a makeup set with eye shadow, a cozy fleece blanket, slime and a turkey dinner for her family. Thomas is hoping for  the Luigi's Mansion 3 video game for Nintendo Switch. 

"I don't have to get everything that I want for Christmas," Sophie added. "I'm just grateful people would be willing to give my family a good Christmas this year."

HOW TO DONATE

Here’s three ways to help:

*Fill out the donation form. Make your check or money order payable to Children’s Christmas Appeal and mail to: United Way of Coastal Bend, 4659 Everhart Road, Corpus Christi, TX, 78411 (designate funds to Children's Christmas Appeal)

*Donate online at www.uwcb.org. Look for the Christmas Appeal logo.

*Text Christmas2019 (no spaces) to 41444 to make a donation.

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